Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 50 Cents 1974-2016, KM# 37, Belize, Elizabeth II
  • 50 Cents 1974-2016, KM# 37, Belize, Elizabeth II
Description

Belize, formerly British Honduras, is an independent country on the eastern coast of Central America. Belize is bordered on the north by Mexico, on the south and west by Guatemala, and on the east by the Caribbean Sea.

Newer Issues (1992, 1993) sometimes referred to as KM# 118.

Obverse

First crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the stylized heraldic Tudor Crown. Engravers initials in the truncation.

The Tudor Crown, also known as the King's Crown or Imperial Crown, is a widely used symbol in heraldry of the United Kingdom. While various crown symbols had been used for this purpose for many years previously, the specific Tudor Crown design was standardised at the request of Edward VII. It was never intended to represent any actual physical crown, although in shape it bears a close resemblance to the small diamond crown of Queen Victoria.

Upon the accession of Elizabeth II, she requested the design to be replaced with a representation of the St Edward's Crown (with depressed arches) which she wore at her coronation. Many, though not all, of the derived designs around the world were updated to match.

This portrait appeared on the obverse of the coins of Britain's colonies and dependencies (including Jersey), while only Britain and the Dominions (Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa) were allowed to use the uncrowned effigy.

Engraver: Cecil Thomas

QUEEN ELIZABETH THE SECOND
CT

Reverse

Denomination within beaded circle. Outside inner circle are four sections, made of intertwined lines, date in lowest section.

BELIZE
50
CENTS
1974

Edge

50 Cents

1st portrait
KM# 37
Characteristics
Material Cupronickel
Weight 9.07 g
Diameter 27.74 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

Related coins

2nd portrait

Cupronickel, 10.76 g, ⌀ 31 mm

Bronze, 4.19 g
4th portrait, Gold Britannia

Gold, 17.025 g, ⌀ 27 mm